In recognition of Dawson City International Gold Show 2016

Mr. Silver: I rise on behalf of the Liberal caucus to pay tribute to the 2016 Dawson City International Gold Show.

Before I begin I would like to thank Monica Nordling for writing this tribute. Monica is the granddaughter of a placer miner, she is the daughter of a placer miner, a sister of a placer miner and she is a geologist. Monica just got accepted into the Colorado School of Mines, one of the most prestigious schools in North America — and she works in our office.

Madam Speaker, this weekend will mark the 30th annual gold show hosted by the Dawson City Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Dawson, the Klondike Placer Miners’ Association and the Klondike Visitors Association. It is a placer mining industry and consumer trade show that takes place this Friday and Saturday, May 20 and 21, in Dawson City.

This is an event that signifies the beginning of summer in Dawson and brings all aspects of the community together: placer miners and their employees come out from the creeks; the industry support companies from all across North America to come showcase their equipment and services; local venders join the trade show; and Dawson residents come out to enjoy the festivities and learn about the happenings in their own backyard.

Robert Service School classrooms also participate, bringing students over to educate them on the placer mining industry and some of these students even get to showcase their family members who work in the industry. Did I mention who wrote this tribute?

Madam Speaker, I have had the privilege of attending many gold shows in Dawson over the years. It has always been a fun and fantastic weekend. Now as a legislator, my experience is quite different from when I was a teacher. Over the years in both capacities, I have developed many positive relationships with miners and industry supporters and I plan to continue to foster those relationships this weekend as well.

The placer mining industry plays a vital role in Dawson City and Yukon, providing jobs and contributing significantly to our territory’s economy. I hear the industry issues and concerns and support them wholeheartedly. The Yukon Liberals are extremely proud of this great industry.

The Dawson City gold show encompasses the diverse and interconnected sectors of our regional economy, with mining as its hub. Celebrating the gold show has become a springtime tradition — a great place to chat, to network and to share ideas with fellow miners and prospectors.

The Dawson City gold show is an international showcase created by locals, and it is an institution in the Klondike that I’m extremely proud of. I look forward to seeing all of you up there this weekend and catching up over the weekend.